WWII

Scott County

William Ernest Cook

MM2/C WILLIAM ERNEST COOK

Machinist’s Mate 2/C William Ernest Cook served with the United States Navy during World War II. When his PT boat was lost during the Philippines battles early in 1942, he joined the Allied forces battling at Bataan and Corregidor where he was captured by the Japanese. He died in a prison camp around January 30, 1943. MM Cook was awarded posthumously the Prisoner of War Medal. His citation reads:

Machinist's Mate Second Class William Ernest Cook (NSN: 3211152), United States Navy, was captured by the Japanese after the fall of Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 6 May 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his death in captivity on or about 30 January 1943.

General Orders: NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947